Page 4 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • March 6, 2013 Area The Midland Park Board of Education is reaching out to neighboring school districts to determine whether those districts would have any interest in accepting Midland Park High School students on a tuition basis or sending their students to Midland Park High. Midland Park Board President William Sullivan said last week that, as the first step, he and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Marie Cirasella would meet this Friday with their Ridgewood counterparts to discuss the feasibility of a send/receive agreement. Similar discussions are also planned with Northern Highlands Regional High School in Allendale, and perhaps other districts. “This is an informal meeting to discuss the ‘hypothetical question’ of whether they would be able to absorb our high school students into their district as a sending agreement,” said Sullivan. “We are just gathering information to share with the board, and nobody should assume that the board has reached any sort of consensus on send/ receive.” The board president said the goal is to have as much information as possible avail- District explores possible send/receive options able to the board in making decisions. “We have to consider accurate information along with the aspirations of the community when we make decisions regarding the educational welfare of our students. With that in mind, I felt it was necessary to reach out to other districts and explore both ‘sending’ and ‘receiving’ options that may exist to our benefit. “Ultimately, each board member must use their own ‘independent judgment’ when they choose to support or oppose an issue, but it’s important to have enough information as possible to make those decisions,” he explained. “We’ve been speculating about the financial impact, but we need more accurate information,” he said by way of example. Sullivan added that if the board decided to move forward with a sending or receiving agreement, it would have to commission a formal study with the other district to evaluate the impact on facilities, transportation, and educational considerations. Entering into a receiving agreement with another district is also a possibility, Sullivan noted, recalling the receiving agreement with North Haledon that was basically a done deal until it was struck down by the courts 10 years ago. “Perhaps the judiciary would look differently on this now,” he said. Sullivan also recalled that the quality of education offered at Midland Park High School had caught the eye of the Maywood Public Schools two years ago when Maywood considered ending their long-standing agreement with Hackensack High School. Sullivan said questions about Midland Park High School’s viability are nothing new, remembering that, 20 years ago, parents not familiar with the school were raising concerns. “Most of those parents had a completely different view after their children graduated and realized how well prepared they were for higher education and the workplace,” he said. “Do the larger high schools offer more electives?...Yes, but participation in athletics and many other co-curricular activities are limited because students are competing with a much larger population. We have a very dedicated group of educators in the district and some really great things are happening in our schools...maybe we have to do a better job in getting that information out there. I believe we offer a greater opportunity for kids to find out what they’re good at, and we certainly don’t have some of the problems that exist in larger high schools,” he added. Sullivan stressed that the prospect of sending the high school students elsewhere would not solve the facility problems facing the district. “The board has stated a number of times that we don’t see a scenario which would allow us to close any of our buildings. Upgrades to our infrastructure are necessary and we have to find a way to accomplish this,” he said. In December, voters turned down a two public questions seeking $15.27 million to upgrade facilities and athletic fields in the borough’s public schools. PSO plans Military Bridge benefit Julia A. Traphagen’s PSO will host its 15th Annual Military Bridge and Prize Basket fundraiser on Friday, March 22 at Saint Luke’s Gym, 340 North Franklin Turnpike in Ho-Ho-Kus. The doors will open at 7 pm. Appetizers, refreshments, and desserts will be served. Over 100 prize baskets will be available. Prizes include a Sharp 46” Aquos Smart TV with built in WiFi and four Disney Hopper Passes. Tickets are $20 per person or $80 for a table of four. Included in the cost of the ticket is one sheet of prize basket tickets. To purchase tickets, contact AnnMarie Trimmer at (201) 652-0872 or e-mail ktat@optonline.net. Checks should be made out to JAT PSO and mailed to Traphagen – Military Bridge Committee, 153 Summit Avenue, Waldwick NJ 07463. Seating is limited. The Military Bridge Committee is seeking donations of products or services from area businesses. Business owners who would like to donate a product or services may contact Mary Beth Nappi at (201) 6937841 or e-mail traphagenpso@yahoo.com. Donations will be acknowledged in the event’s program booklet and on Facebook updates. Proceeds will benefit and support the students and teachers of Julia A. Traphagen Elementary School.